Modulatory Potential of Iron Chelation Therapy on Nitric Oxide Formation in Cerebral Malaria

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Abstract
To determine whether iron chelation modulates nitric oxide (NO) formation and cell-mediated immune effector function in children with cerebral malaria, serum concentrations were measured of the stable end products of NO, nitrite and nitrate (NO2/NO3, interleukin (lL)-4, -6, and -10, and neopterin in 39 Zambian children enrolled in a placebo-controlled trial of desferrioxamine B and quinine therapy. Mean concentrations of NO2/NO3 increased significantly over 3 days in children receiving desferrioxamine plus quinine but not in those given placebo and quinine. Neopterin levels declined significantly with placebo but not with desferrioxamine. IL-4 levels increased progressively in the placebo group and ultimately decreased in the desferrioxamine group, but the trends were not statistically significant. IL-6 and IL-lO levels were elevated initially and decreased significantly in both groups over 3 days. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that iron chelation therapy in children with cerebral malaria strengthens Thl-mediated immune effector function involving increased production of NO.

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